Hi Everyone,

Great to see so many people in the community celebrate the end of a successful year – from the Year 12 graduating students through to local businesses embarking on a busy Christmas period – there is certainly a lot going on!

A big congratulations to all local students graduating this year. Completing your school career is one of the biggest moments of your life and I am sure we all have our own special memories of the day we walked through the high school gates for the last time.

Whether graduates are embarking on an apprenticeship or leaving for university, we all wish them a fun-filled summer full of adventure and freedom!  A well-deserved break no doubt.

Another highlight of the paper this week, is the page 3 story about the ‘Three Blokes Running’. I found their commitment to raising awareness about mental health very inspiring.

To think that six men a day in Australia die due to suicide is a shocking statistic.

It means the lives of six Aussie families are shattered every day, 180 families a month.

Let’s all support these three young men as they run 180 kilometres each, one kilometre for each life lost this month.

You can do this by attending a charity event at Queen’s Hotel this Sunday.

Incredibly, the ‘Three Blokes Running’ have already raised $7K, let’s help them reach $10K!

In other news, the photo of the week this week goes to the Junior Home Hill Cricket Association. Thank you for the incredible submission from a club member who managed to capture the youngsters playing to a backdrop of the cane fields ablaze.

Flip over the newspaper to see the photo on the back cover.

There is nothing more ‘Burdekin’ than seeing this unique sight, and I remember my own son pointing it out with excitement when we were driving into town recently.

Rach

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Rose Rodighiero is a true gem in the Home Hill community, dedicating her time and energy to ensuring no one feels lonely. She is deeply committed to visiting her clients, sharing her warmth and bringing joy to their lives. Through these regular visits, Rose has formed lasting friendships that enrich both her life and the lives of those she visits.
Born in a small town in Sicily, Rose moved to Australia at just eight years old. She attended St Colman’s Catholic School in Home Hill, where she struggled with the language barrier but quickly adapted. After completing secondary school, she worked at the Carmichael Corner Pharmacy in Home Hill before marrying in 1966.
Rose’s strong sense of community has always guided her, and she volunteered with Meals On Wheels for many years. However, her passion for helping others led her to spend seven years visiting elderly residents in her community.
Rita Quagliata, Volunteer Manager at BCA, shared, "Everyone enjoys and looks forward to her visits. They appreciate the company of this gentle, soft-spoken lady."
Rose’s caring nature and selfless dedication to others have made a significant impact on many lives. Her kindness is deeply appreciated by the clients and their families, who are grateful for the time and love she gives to their loved ones. Rose Rodighiero is indeed a treasure, and the Home Hill community is fortunate to have her.

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Rose is a true gem in the community of the Burdekin. Photo Supplied

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Three Burdekin tradies have turned their commitment to mental health awareness into an incredible community effort by running 180km each for Movember. Austin Dewar (18), Campbell Johnson (21), and Braden Rawlins (21), who are all local apprentices, initially aimed to raise $540 but have far surpassed their expectations, collecting nearly $7,000 to date.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the challenge, Austin Dewar explained:
“Basically, my two mates and I are running 180km each for Movember to raise money for mental health awareness. Campbell brought up the idea after learning about Movember’s ‘Move for Movember’ initiative. He looked into the statistics and found out that six men a day in Australia take their own lives. Over a month, that adds up to 180— and that’s a staggering number. It really hit home for us, so we decided to take action.”
The trio initially set a modest target of $540—$180 each to symbolise the lives lost in a month. However, the community quickly rallied behind their mission. “We smashed $1,000 in the first 24 hours alone,” Austin said. “Now we’re almost at $7,000, and we’d love to hit $10,000.”
Local businesses have enthusiastically joined the cause, contributing to the fundraising effort and offering prizes for a community event scheduled for 24 November at the Queen’s Hotel in Ayr. The event will kick off at 4pm, featuring a 5km running track and a 2km walking track.
“There’ll be a barbecue, raffles with prizes like gift cards, meat trays, and even a fridge giveaway,” Austin shared. “Even if people don’t want to exercise, they can still come down and show their support.”
The support has been overwhelming for the young tradies, who are now not just raising funds but breaking down barriers around mental health.
“The biggest thing is the encouragement we’re receiving,” Austin said.
“We get messages from people saying we’re doing great, and it’s made us feel more comfortable speaking up, which is amazing. Running through town, we have people waving and beeping at us. That kind of support really keeps us going.”
Movember, a global initiative focusing on men’s health, has been instrumental in shining a light on the often-taboo subject of mental health. Austin, Campbell, and Braden are proud to contribute to this movement.
“We’ve realised how important it is to normalise conversations around mental health,” Austin said.
“If our efforts help just one person feel less alone, then it’s all worth it.”
The trio hopes their story inspires others to take small steps toward making a big impact.
“We’re just three mates who wanted to do something meaningful,” Austin said. “The community support has been unbelievable, and it’s proven to us that people really do care about this issue.”
With their event just around the corner and a lofty $10,000 target in sight, the Burdekin community has a chance to make a difference and show their support for this remarkable initiative.
To donate to their Movember campaign or learn more about the event, visit the Movember website and search for their team, “Three Blokes Running”. Together, we can make strides—literally and figuratively—towards better mental health for all.
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WHAT: Three Blokes Running Fundraiser
WHERE: Queen’s Hotel Ayr
WHEN: 4pm Sunday 24th November 2024

Austin Dewar, Campbell Johnson, and Braden Rawlins are running for men’s mental health. Photo Supplied

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Brain cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australian children, with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) the most aggressive form, referred to in medical circles as the deadliest cancer known to man.
Ren’s Million Dollar Mission was born out of personal tragedy when Ren Pedersen lost his 9-year-old daughter, Amy, to DIPG in 2009. Amy’s legacy lives on, inspiring Ren’s relentless efforts to fund research into this devastating disease.  
The campaign, which aims to raise $1 million, seeks support from 1,000 individuals and businesses, each donating $1,000. These funds will directly benefit the Children’s Cancer Institute, Australia’s leading paediatric cancer research organisation.
Recently, Ren and his campaign collaborator and partner Megan Law, held a community meet-and-greet event at the RSL on Saturday 16th November. This gathering provided an opportunity for locals to connect with Ren, learn more about the mission, and contribute to the cause.
Since signing a formal partnership with the Children’s Cancer Institute three weeks ago, Ren has worked tirelessly to bring awareness to the urgent need for funding. “Without action, parents will continue to nurse their children to the grave,” he said.  
The Children’s Cancer Institute now has 20 scientists dedicated to DIPG research, a remarkable development compared to 2009 when no such resources existed. However, the challenge remains to bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and accessible treatments.
Ren’s Million Dollar Mission is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when personal grief is channelled into community action. With the Burdekin’s ongoing support and collective generosity, Amy’s legacy is driving the fight for a brighter future for children battling brain cancer.
Join Ren’s Million Dollar Mission and make a difference for children battling DIPG. Your donation can help fund vital research to turn groundbreaking discoveries into life-saving treatments. Every contribution counts.

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Megan Law with the scientists at the lab. Photo Supplied

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Marking 10 years of his Christmas Appeal, Member for Burdekin Dale Last is hoping this year may be the Burdekin’s biggest year of giving so far.

Across the decade, Mr Last said the appeal had gone on to help numerous Burdekin families at a time of the year that can be incredibly difficult for many in the electorate.

“The appeal has run every year since 2015 and has had a huge impact on literally hundreds of families,” Mr Last said.

“For some it’s about being able to put food on the table or a Christmas gift for a young child but, for all of them, it shows they aren’t alone and that their community cares.

The Salvation Army have been a key partner in the appeal since it started back in 2015,” he said.

“That allows us to put together hampers for people based on what they need and that ensures we provide the right help, and it also means that nothing is wasted.”

Mr Last said the appeal’s ability to bring together the generosity of local community groups as well as individuals was a credit to the community’s generosity during the festive season.

“Every single donation, whether it is handmade wooden toys or staples for the kitchen pantry has the ability to make a real difference to a family in need,” Mr Last said.

“Each year we see our local Men’s Shed and Woodcrafts Association go above and beyond to provide some spectacular wooden toys to the appeal and at the same time we see individuals go out of their way to pop something extra in their shopping trolley.

Even if people are not in a position to be able to donate they can still help people in need.

Sharing a smile, a few kind words or donating some time at a charity really does help and, after all, that’s the true spirit of Christmas.”

Donations, including non-perishable food, can be made until 15 December, at the Burdekin Electorate Office at the East End Centre. For those in Bowen looking to make a donation this can be done at the Bowen Salvation Army store on Herbert Street.

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Approaching the three-year anniversary since a monstrous 3.9-meter crocodile was hauled away by Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) wildlife officers from the bustling Groper Creek jetty and boat ramp area, along with members of the boating and fishing community have become increasingly concerned about recent crocodile sightings, calling for DESI to take immediate action.
Rodney Walter, Commodore of the Home Hill Boat Club Inc. Committee submitted a letter to the Burdekin Shire Council on Monday 28 October, alerting them to the overgrown vegetation in the immediate vicinity of Groper Creek boat ramps and jetty areas. Mangroves and riverbank vegetation provide excellent homes and shelter to many animals like mangrove jack, various types of sea snakes, prawns, crabs, and of course crocodiles.
“The crocodile population is such a worry for our community and there are regular sightings of crocs including just last year in 2023 between the jetty and boat ramp in which the boaties got a scare but did manage to get out at the ramp and retrieve their boat,” explained Rodney.
Many members of the local Burdekin community and travellers alike enjoy and use Groper Creek regularly for fishing, boating and social gatherings, furthermore, making the removal and maintenance of the overgrown mangroves an issue directly impacting the safety of the public.
“Crocs have been sighted and captured within 100 metres of the jetty and boat ramps and you just have to ask those locals that have shined torches at night from the jetty to witness croc eyes, or stories of the latest sightings in helicopter joy rides or recent fishing trips,” said Rodney.
A frightening ordeal, the 2021 crocodile capture came after the reptile was spotted frequenting the Groper Creek Groper Creek Caravan Park jetty and boat ramp, a sighting park manager, Jeanette Garvey noted was far too close for comfort.
In late 2023 an alarming ordeal where a crocodile rammed and followed a man’s boat around Pensioners Bend sparked the placement of a crocodile trap, warning signs and the intervention of wildlife officials. However, with an empty trap removed from the creek a month later, its believed the reptile is still at large. Paired with these fearful concerns, Rodney and the Home Hill Boat Club Inc. Committee are calling for urgent removal and maintenance to take place as the mangroves have begun encroaching on both the boat ramps and jetty areas.
“The mangrove branches are now at the point they intrude through the jetty side rails and will very soon grow to the point you won’t be able to walk on the jetty without brushing or pushing past these branches – trimming is a must – urgently,” Rodney added.

Groper Creek often hosts regular sightings of crocodiles and has been referred to as a metropolitan area within “Croc Country” on multiple occasions. Visitors to the area are advised to always be “Crocwise” and report all crocodile sightings to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation through the QWildlife app for iOS and Android devices or through calling 1300 130 372.

“The department records and investigates all crocodile reports made by the public and will take appropriate action in accordance with the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan - your reports help in determining crocodile presence and movement in the area,” advises the Burdekin Shire Council.
 
“Always remember that no natural waterway in crocodile country is ever 100% risk -free, and the public should remain Crocwise at all times when in and around crocodile habitat.”

The Burdekin Shire Council is currently preparing the necessary applications to submit to the State Government for approval to begin action and undertake works on the affected Groper Creek boat ramps and jetty areas.

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A photo captured recently of a snap happy friend between Burdekin and Groper Creek areas measuring approximately 8 – 10 feet long (Photo credits: Denise Holder).
A growing concern! Mangroves continue to grow, encroaching on Groper Creek boat ramp and jetty areas
Welcome to Croc Country! Official signs were placed around Groper Creek following a frightening crocodile encounter last year.

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On 10 June, former Burdekin Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Terry Brennan was among over 700 Australians recognised in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List.
Brennan was recently bestowed with the prestigious Public Service Medal for his dedication and outstanding service to local government in Queensland, marking an extraordinary milestone in his remarkable 45-year career.
“It was a wonderful recognition for my service in local government and the work I’ve accomplished across several councils,” Mr. Brennan said.
“The ceremony at Government House was a great experience, and the Governor’s personal approach made it even more memorable.”
Since beginning his career in 1979 as a junior administration officer with Toowoomba City Council, Brennan has dedicated his life to local government.
Over the years, he has held key roles with Stanthorpe Shire Council, Cassowary Coast Regional Council, and as a board member for Queensland Local Government Mutual and Local Government Workcare.
Appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Burdekin Shire Council in 2016, Brennan played a pivotal role in delivering significant infrastructure projects in the region. Highlights include the development of the Burdekin Water Park, the Ayr-Brandon 10ML Reservoir, and the accompanying water supply upgrades, all of which stand as lasting contributions to the community.
Brennan’s recognition with a Public Service Medal is a testament to his unwavering commitment to improving local government and the lives of those in the Burdekin and beyond.

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Governor of Queensland, Dr Jeannette Young presented Burdekin Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Terry Brennan with a Public Service Medal.

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The Zonta Club Burdekin Inc will “paint the region orange” for the 16 Days of Activism from 25 November to 10 December 2024, as part of the global Zonta Says No to Gender-Based Violence campaign. This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ observances of the Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Human Rights Day, spotlighting the profound impact of domestic violence.  
Advocacy Chair Judy Mitchell said the campaign raises awareness about gender-based violence and its societal effects. Orange wooden silhouettes of women will appear in prominent locations in Ayr and Home Hill, accompanied by safety brochures with emergency contact details. A banner outside St Francis Catholic School on Edward Street and social media posts will amplify the message.  
The campaign also highlights the recent addition of a Red Bench outside the Burdekin Community Association Centre, part of a project in partnership with the Burdekin Men’s Shed and Burdekin Shire Council. These benches, installed at key sites like the Library and Ayr Court House, carry the poignant message: “Let’s Change the Ending.”
Mrs Mitchell stressed the importance of community engagement in tackling domestic violence, calling on locals to support this global effort.  
For details on the campaign and activities across District 22, visit the Zonta District 22 website. The Zonta Club Burdekin invites everyone to stand together to end domestic violence.

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Members of The Zonta Club Burdekin Inc will “paint the region orange”. Photo supplied

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How good was the Harvest Festival?  Congratulations most certainly need to be extended to Mark Vass and his committee for yet another incredible display of community spirit.  From the Ephemera and Festival launch through to the culmination with the Grand Parade and festivities, everything was spot on.  Personally, the highlight for me, apart from catching up with people I haven’t seen in yonks, was Ida Arici’s deliciously decadent Italian sweets.  😊
The Burdekin Machinery Preservationists in Brandon recently celebrated their 40th Anniversary with an open day on 10th November.  Unfortunately, I was unable to attend but I thoroughly enjoyed visiting earlier in the year and encourage everyone to (in the words of Molly Meldrum), “do yourselves a favour” and go.  You won’t be disappointed.
I had the honour of attending the Remembrance Day ceremony in Ayr at the Anzac Park War Memorial on the 11th November with Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Councillor Fina Vasta.  A small but extremely moving event commemorating our returned, lost and fallen men and women who so valiantly served.  Joe Giddy once again performing a very solemn, stirring ‘Last Post.’  Lest We Forget.
As a Shire, we would be much the poorer without the dedicated people who proudly put their hand up for the benefit of everyone else in our community.  They love our towns and want to see them thrive.  That is why the reaction recently from a vocal few out of a population of around 17,000 has been extremely disappointing and hurtful.  I have never in my 58 years, felt so uncomfortable to walk down the street as I did the other day.
Social media can be fantastic when used for good with all the CORRECT information.  There we all are, reading one another’s posts, feeling inspired, informed, supported, or seen.  It’s uniting, it brings people together.  But please be mindful of what you say and do.  Unsolicited opinions, offhand comments or quick judgements can hurt, particularly when they come from family and friends.  Before sharing a negative opinion or verbally attacking someone, take a moment to put yourselves in the other persons shoes; how would YOU feel?  Everyone is facing their own battles, juggling countless responsibilities whilst doing their best to meet the needs of many.  
In the lead up to the Christmas season as well as all year round, let’s all choose kindness, understanding and empathy.  
Sometimes silence can be the most powerful response.

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This past week, I had the privilege of attending the graduation ceremonies for our Year 12 students. It’s a significant milestone, marking the end of their school journey and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. To all the graduates, I wish you the very best as you step into this next stage of life, full of opportunities and new experiences.
Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to volunteer at McDonalds for McHappy Day, a wonderful event that raises funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities. These funds provide vital support for families with seriously ill children, ensuring they have a place to stay close to hospitals and the care they need. It was heartwarming to see so many community members come together to support this meaningful cause.
It’s events like McHappy Day that remind us just how important volunteers are. Whether it’s supporting local initiatives, charity events, or lending a helping hand, volunteers play an essential role in making our community stronger and more connected.
This goes without saying - there are countless volunteer opportunities available in our community, and getting involved is a great way to give back and make a positive impact. To all who give their time and energy selflessly – thank you. Your contributions are truly appreciated and needed now more than ever.
Stay safe and take care of yourself. Should you wish to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me directly by phone on 0447 150 582, or feel free to send an email to mayor@burdekin.qld.gov.au.

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Ross Tapiolas, owner of My Pets Rural, is dedicated to providing quality and variety that sets his business apart. As a member of the AIRR Tucker independent buying group, My Pets Rural offers a wide selection of pet and livestock supplies at competitive prices.
“Being part of a large buying group allows us to purchase at better prices, which means these savings can be passed on to our customers,” Ross explains.
With a main warehouse in Brisbane, they run weekly deliveries to ensure fresh and quick stock turnaround. This partnership also provides product training to keep staff knowledgeable and up-to-date, further enhancing service quality for Burdekin locals.
For dog owners, My Pets Rural’s grooming services stand out as the only fully equipped grooming room in the area, staffed by trained and experienced groomers.
“Our modern groom room is the only one servicing the Burdekin,” Ross proudly notes, providing a unique service for the community’s furry friends.
Pet food and supplements are another speciality, with My Pets Rural offering a range tailored to specific needs.
“Our latest addition to the pet food range is Prime 100, a single-protein diet popular with dog owners, especially for pets with skin and gut issues.”
The store’s variety includes top brands like Advance and Royal Canin for puppies, as well as working dog food and frozen treats like brisket bones and kangaroo tails.
Accessories, too, cater to a diverse clientele. Seasonal essentials, such as tick and flea treatments, electrolyte supplements, and automatic waterers, are available to help pets thrive in warmer weather. My Pets Rural also meets the needs of the community’s livestock with a selection of electric fencing, medicated shampoos, and even anti-stress products for storm season.
With regular supplier visits showcasing the latest in pet care trends, Ross ensures his stock remains relevant. For Burdekin locals, My Pets Rural is more than just a store—it’s a trusted source for quality pet and livestock care, offering the latest products and personalised service.

Ross Tapiolas from My Pets Rural says “Hay!”

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For 20 years, Donna Dabelstein has brought uplifting messages, music, and conversation to her listeners on the local radio station. She and two others began their radio journey in 2005 when Merle Scott, then in charge of the station, invited them to join.
"We were sitting in the same church pew, and before we knew it, we were in training, learning to switch CDs instead of streaming music online. Whether the Good Lord intended it, I don’t know, but we’ve been doing it ever since,” Donna reflects.
When asked about her musical influences, Donna shares her love for classic tunes.
"I like the older songs—Daniel O’Donnell is a favourite, though I enjoy Rod Stewart too, much to my husband’s dismay," she laughs.
Donna’s affinity for classic melodies reflects her connection to a time when songs carried strong messages and emotions, which she continues to share with her audience.
One memorable moment on-air came when she accidentally played two songs at once.
"You’re sitting there thinking no one’s listening, then the phone rings to tell you two songs are playing at once. It was nice to realise someone was out there listening!” she says, smiling.
Donna’s preparation process is thoughtful and organised. "We do it all at home and save it to a USB to play at the station," she explains. Each reading from the Bible is paired with music to match the theme, making each show meaningful and cohesive.
For those aspiring to join radio, Donna has simple advice: "Just go for it! We’re all volunteers here, and it’s about having fun.” Even after two decades, she admits she still feels a bit nervous after time away.
Her dream guest? “Probably Jesus or one of the disciples,” she jokes, revealing her faith-driven perspective.
Reflecting on industry changes, Donna recalls the days of CD juggling.
“Now, technology has made things easier, but I still find myself connected to the simpler methods,” she says, holding onto traditions while embracing new trends.

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Donna Dabelstein behind the mic. Photo credit: Miah Lampard

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At AGLANTIS, we believe that innovation in agriculture should make life easier and more affordable for farmers. Our automated irrigation system was developed with one main goal: to provide a practical, cost-effective solution for water management that genuinely supports farmers’ needs.

This system was shaped through listening to local farmers in the Burdekin region. Their insights helped us design a tool that’s both efficient and easy to adopt. This isn’t just another high-tech solution; it’s a farmer-friendly system designed to boost productivity while saving time and water.

Our system offers flexibility to suit farms of all sizes and irrigation types, from furrow to overhead to drip. We provide three core packages, each designed with simplicity, reliability, and affordability in mind:

Water Alert Kit

Senses when water reaches the end of the drill in real time, alerting you when it’s time to stop or switch irrigation sets to prevent overwatering.

Pump Control Kit

Allows for remote pump management with monitoring features to ensure efficient energy use, optimising your power costs.

Valve Control Kit

Automates the opening and closing of valves, reducing labour costs by streamlining irrigation set changes.

Join us for a field day in early December to see the system in action. Experience firsthand how AGLANTIS can make irrigation simpler, more efficient, and more affordable for your farm.

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Cane crushed
This week
Season to date
Invicta
140,548
2,633,446
Pioneer
72,135
1,251,605
Kalamia
69,560
1,395,898
Inkerman
83,005
1,571,486
Burdekin
365,247
6,852,435
CCS
Invicta
14.77
14.41
Pioneer
14.24
14.35
Kalamia
13.75
13.90
Inkerman
14.33
14.14
Burdekin
14.37
14.23
Weekly variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q240
53%
14.69
Q208
6%
15.54
KQ228
19%
13.54
Q232
6%
13.60
Q183
11%
14.05
WSRA17
4%
13.47
Comments:
The Burdekin mills processed just over 365,000 tonnes of cane for the week, which exceeded budget. No time was lost for wet weather.
The season-to-date total is now 6.85M tonnes, which represents 84 per cent of the Burdekin region’s crop forecast of 8.20M tonnes.
The average weekly CCS was 14.37, which is now below budget forecasts.
The highest CCS of 17.1, was from a rake of Q183 2R in the Mulgrave (INV) productivity district.
Remember to stay alert, use your train brain and always give way to cane trains at road crossings.
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John Tait
Cane Supply Manager
Burdekin Region

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Marking National Agriculture Day last week (November 15), Queensland’s Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett reiterated the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to supercharging the state’s agricultural industry.
With a bold target to boost farm gate output to $30 billion by 2030, the LNP say that Queensland is poised to become a national leader in food and fibre production.
The Crisafulli Government has also said it will strengthen Queensland’s biosecurity frontline, with a $50 million boost including 100 additional biosecurity cops on the beat to build defences against pest and diseases.
Minister Perrett said the State Government would deliver a fresh start to Queensland’s primary industries sector.  
“Our farmers and regional communities are the backbone of Queensland’s economy,” Minister Perrett said.
“From our sugar cane fields to the timber industry, and from biosecurity to AgTech, we’re delivering a comprehensive plan for the future of Queensland agriculture.
“This strategy is designed to support every sector of our diverse industry, bringing long-term prosperity to our rural and regional communities.”

Ag workers were also encouraged to “play it safe” for National Agriculture Day and review their safety practices, with agriculture being one of Australia’s most dangerous
industries.

Australian Institute of Health and Safety (AIHS) CEO Julia Whitford said the agricultural
industry was unique in the number of safety challenges workers must manage, which can
impact physical and mental health.

Safe Work Australia statistics show the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector is ranked
number two on the list of industries with the greatest number of worker fatalities in 2024,
with 30 deaths so far this year.

“Over the past five years we’ve seen an average of 38 deaths a year in agriculture, forestry
and fishing, and any death is one too many,” Ms Whitford said.

“Ag workers face a range of hazards that they must mitigate every day. Among the risks is
the operation of heavy equipment, being struck by an animal, handling chemicals,
exposure to weather and dust, slips, trips and falls, and vehicle accidents, including
those involving tractors and quad bikes.”

Data reveals fatal quad bike accidents and rollovers are on the rise, with 18 deaths
recorded so far in 2024, up 38 per cent on last year and 63 per cent on 2022.

“To help bring those numbers down, we encourage ag workers to do a registered quad
bike training course, install a crush protection device, ride on familiar tracks, and avoid
riding in bad weather, on rough terrain, and on steep slopes wherever possible,” Ms Whitford said.

As well as physical risks, there are considerable psychological safety challenges due to
high stress seasonal pressures like intense periods of planting, harvesting, shearing,
lambing, felling, fishing, or calving.

“Agriculture is key to Australia’s economy, but unfortunately the long hours ag workers
put in often go unrecognised, and they have little to no control over variables like the
weather, disease, or market conditions, making for an unpredictable and stressful work
environment,” Ms Whitford said.

“We urge our hard-working ag workers to review and update their safety procedures to best protect their physical and psychological health.”

Resources can be found on the AIHS website.

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